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As allegations of sexual misconduct rock the U.S. from the sets of Hollywood to the halls of Washington, United Methodist leaders acknowledge that the church also has seen such abuses of power.

In a joint statement released Jan. 23, the Council of Bishops and the Commission on the Status and Role of Women “strongly encourage and support the reporting of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment allegations within the church.”

To the extent of their ability, the bishops and agency staff, also pledge, “to do the right thing in every complaint received, including listening well to hear the story and developing a response which holds persons accountable and offers healing for all affected.”

The signers of the statement are Bishop Bruce R. Ough, Council of Bishops president; Bishop Tracy Malone, board president of the commission; and Dawn Wiggins Hare, the commission’s top executive.

Even before #MeToo began trending on social media, Hare said, United Methodist leaders — including bishops — have worked to address allegations of abuse and harassment. She also noted that the commitment to address sexual misconduct and harassment exists across the multinational denomination.

“The Council of Bishops is all in on supporting the full equality of women,” Hare told United Methodist News Service. “And you don’t get full equality of women until you can name sexual misconduct, sexual harassment and the sexual ethics violations that are out there — because those are tools that keep men and women from being treated equally.”

Still, as the statement points out, alleged victims “are often reluctant to come forward fearing they will not be believed or they will experience retaliation and the decision to report will be held against them.”

The bishops and commission have a message for these churchgoers: You will be heard.

“We want to hold people accountable and also make sure that we provide the resources to help people be cared for throughout the process,” Malone told UMNS. “We want to make sure that in order for us to continue to prevent sexual misconduct that we will support the reporting of it.”

Bishops are frequently the first stop for any complaint accusing a pastor of committing a chargeable offense. They also can have a role in shaping how churches in their episcopal areas work to prevent sexual misconduct and respond when abuses do occur.

The commission also advocates for individual victims of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. The commission offers support through the denomination’s website, umsexualethics.org, and a toll-free, confidential phone number 800-523-8390.

In the final quarter of 2017, the commission received 33 calls for support on issues around sexual misconduct concerns and/or complaints — 12 from laity and 22 from clergy.

Earlier in January, Greater Northwest Area Bishop Elaine Stanovsky offered her own reflection on the #MeToo movement. As a district superintendent and later as a bishop, she said she played a role in responding to more than 25 cases of sexual abuse.

She advised clergy and other church leaders not to confuse self-giving love with self-serving love.

“It is never OK for you to become sexually involved with people in your care,” she wrote. “It is always your responsibility to maintain healthy professional boundaries. Don’t put yourself in a situation where your intentions might be misunderstood.”

The bishops’ declaration is important but even more critical is the next step, said Hare of the Status and Role of Women commission.

“It’s bringing awareness so we take the next steps to educate, to put systems in place, to try to work on the systemic oppression of victims coming forward,” Hare said. “On all of those pieces, we’ve got to continue to work as best we can.”

I was so grateful when Rev. Owen Ross invited me to be a part of the team allowed to enter the Tornillo detention facility to lead worship with the immigrant kids held there. So many people have wished there were something they could do in response to what we’ve seen happen with unaccompanied minors and especially immigrant children separated from their parents at the border, and I felt truly privileged to have the chance to stand in that place.

Churches throughout the Crossroads District came together to celebrate on Saturday, April 21. The District was honored to welcome Bishop and Mrs. Schnase and Rev. Diana Phillips and her husband Mark as special guests.

Fifteen college students and supporters from San Antonio Wesley and Texas State United Campus Ministry went on a mission trip to Costa Rica over Spring Break 2018. Students spent the week helping a local Costa Rica Methodist Church in Rio Cuarto as it prepared to expand its reach into the local community.

I just attended the first annual CMN conference in Dallas this past week and I got a word from God! CMN [Church Multiplication Network] is the Assembly of God church planting network. Since 2008, CMN has helped launch 3400 plus churches and trained over 7500 planters. The worship was intense and the speakers were inspirational!

Join us from 9:00 am -4:30 pm on Saturday, September 15 at Coker United Methodist Church.

Are you wondering why so many people are talking about the Enneagram? What is that strangely-shaped star? Or maybe you have never heard of the Enneagram at all, but you seek to grow in your faith and well-being. While not an exclusively Christian tool, many Christians have used the Enneagram wisely and well to draw closer to God. Wherever you're starting from, you're invited to an introduction to this profound way of looking at who we are and our paths to spiritual growth.

More than 6000 homes were affected in late June when torrential rains caused widespread flooding in the Rio Grande Valley, especially in Weslaco, Mercedes, and Pharr. The full extent of the damage and need is still being assessed. According to current FEMA registrations, 8457 homes have been damaged and 1662 destroyed.

The bishops of the five Annual Conferences in Texas today issued a joint statement commending President Trump for signing an executive order ending his administration’s policy of separating families on the border. Furthermore, the bishops urged readers to contact their congressional representative and senators to continue expressing concerns for the separated children and calling for legislation to keep families together.

The tradition continues with our very own Clergy Choir (Plus) providing music for our Annual Conference Ordination Service on Friday evening June 8. Other musically inclined delegates and spouses or youth are also invited to participate.

You’ve probably have heard of mall walking—now Rio Texas is going to be “conference walking”! In the interest of physical, mental, and spiritual wellness, the new Rio Texas Wellness Team is inviting Annual Conference attendees to track the number of steps they walk during our gathering this year in Corpus Christi, June 6-9.

El Valle District Ministry Center is a vision of the district which involved repurposing a closed church and building ministry partners. The building was redesigned to support its new purposes. We envision partnering with other groups to educate and promote healthy eating and healthy choices. We aim to help lower childhood obesity rates in the Rio Grande Valley.

May 9, 2018

Rio Texas Annual Conference16400 Huebner Road | San Antonio, Texas 78248 | 210-408-4500...and all throughout the mission field of south Texas